God was kind to me: Kapil Dev

Southampton, Sep 8: Former captain and legendary all-rounder Kapil Dev is not one to mince words and continuing with his reputation the world cup winning skipper has called Indian cricketers to not to sacrifice the game for money.

He was quoted by the Times of India as saying, "Money should be the incentive, it's not a negative thing... if you can make so many in a month, it is fine. But you have to be fit enough to perform as well."

And added, "God was kind to me. I did get injured as I got off-seasons to recover well from the strain of international cricket. Unfortunately, the current players don't get off-seasons. Everybody is greedy, wanting to make that extra bit. I hope we learn, the players learn, the administrators learn about the pitfalls of non-stop cricket which has become relentless these days."

The second highest wicket-taker in Tests for India, had also a word of advise for the fast bowlers. He said, "You don't become a cricketer sitting in the dressing room or in front of a computer or watching television. It's important to go to the basics, do a lot of training, work hard on the field. And if you can do that extra bit, it will help you play for a long period. Playing for India is not a big thing. But can you play for 10 years? Ask yourself. That takes a lot of hard work."

He went on to add, "I have seen many talented fast bowlers come up in the last 15 years... their career-span was cut short by injuries."

Elaborating the issue further, he said, "Being overworked is one thing but these bowlers have also spent a lot of time in the gym rather than going out on the field, running cross country, strengthening their leg muscles. Most of the fast bowlers in India have a much stronger upper body as compared to their legs. This is one aspect of this breakdown syndrome."

And added, "I also don't understand this new theory of not bowling enough in the nets. The more you bowl, the more you learn and the more your body gets attuned to it. These days, I see them bowling only four or five overs in nets."